REVIEW: Furutech DSS-4.1 speaker cable:Clearly talented

Audio cables are easily overlooked, often underrated and generally misunderstood. Really good cables arealso usually really expensive. The Furutech DSS-4.1 speaker cable is in the upper class in sonic performanceterms – but you can save signi�cantly by buying it o� the reel

By Deon Schoeman

While most audio enthusiasts will accept that decent cables and interconnects are a must-have toensure good system performance, many will still consider them a grudge purchase – until they’ve heardwhat good cables can do.

Spending two or three grand on cables is one thing, but shelling out tens or even of hundreds ofthousands on high-end interlinks, speaker cables and power cords is mostly considered proof ofinsanity.

I’m not going to get involved in a debate on the merits of audiophile cabling, nor how much one shouldspend on optimising signal transfer. For me it’s quite simple: if you can hear a di�erence, if thatdi�erence warrants the asking price – and if you can a�ord it – it’s worth investing in.

A�ordability remains a key factor – and that’s not unique to cables. The better the gear, the moreexpensive it gets, while the gains in sonic terms diminish as the prices increase.

The Furutech DSS-4.1 speaker cable is technically sophisticated and fastidiously manufactured. It’s a farcry from the stu� you buy o� the reel at your local Builder’s Warehouse – and it promises upper-classperformance.

Usually, cables of this calibre come pre-packaged in fancy boxes. But in an e�ort to make its high-endcables more accessible, Furutech only makes the DSS-4.1 available o� the reel. In other words, you buythe length you need, then terminate it with the connectors of choice yourself.

That way, you don’t pay for the packaging nor the labour, which should translate into a signi�cantsaving.

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The Furutech DSS-4.1 is a relatively thick, fairly pliable speaker cable. It also oozes quality in tactileterms, thanks to a black and silver nylon-braid outer sheath, that looks and feels the classy part.

And so it should, at R7 800 per running metre. As I said, this is not a run-of-the-mill speaker cable –which is why it also makes sense to buy only as much as you need.

As reviewed, the DSS-4.1 was �tted with top-�ight Furutech termination, which is exactly what a cable ofthis pedigree deserves.

At the source end (the cable is directional), local importer/distributor The Audio Visual Boutique’sJeandré Botha chose to use CF-202(R) bananas, while the CF-201(R) bananas were �tted to the speakerend. Also employed were DSS-4.1 cable splitters.

The result is a speaker cable set that looks the high-end part.

UNDER THE COVERS

There’s a lot more to the DSS-4.1 than a sleek, sophisticated appearance, however. Furutech takes thescience behind its cables very seriously indeed, and the DSS0-4.1 is not exception.

The key construction principle of the cable revolves around the use of two high-purity oxygen-freecopper types. The �rst is Furutech’s traditional, highly regarded Pure Transmission Alpha-OCC. But here,it’s partnered with Alpha DUCC Ultra-Crystallised High-Purity Copper.

DUCC is processed and supplied to very high standards of quality control by Mitsubishi MaterialsIndustries, and Furutech considers it as one the best signal transmission conductors.

It’s manufactured using a proprietary technology that optimally aligns the crystals, while reducing thenumber of crystal-grain boundaries, which makes for a highly e�cient conductor that’s also lessdirection-sensitive than conventional OCC.

Furutech’s own Alpha-OCC bene�ts from proprietary cryogenic and demagnetizing treatment toimprove conductivity.

The cable’s actual construction combines both OCC types in a three-layer, rotation-speci�c conductorlayout. Each of the two conductors (one each for positive and negative) consists of polyethylene core,around which the copper strands are arranged in three layers.

The �rst layer is made up of 89 Alpha-OCC copper, each measuring 0,18 mm in diameter and arrangedin a clockwise pattern. The second, middle layer is made of the same Alpha-OCC, but the 39 strands arearranged anti-clockwise.

The third, �nal layer is comprised of 62 Alpha-DUCC strands, each just 0,13 mm in diameter, andarranged clockwise.

Protecting each of the three-layer, multi-stranded conductors is are two layers of insulation, two layersof shielding, a �ller and two barrier layers, an outer lead-free outer sheath, all contained within thebraided sleeve mentioned earlier.

Even so, the DSS-4.1 cable has a relatively modest diameter of less 20 mm.

As mentioned, the Furutech CF-201(R) are top-end spades featuring a rhodium-plated Alpha-OCCcopper conductor, a non-magnetic stainless steel body and a damped carbon �bre/stainless steel body.

The same materials are used for the CF-202(R) bananas, and both use a screw-down compressionclamp to �x the cable to the connector in a sturdy, mechanical, non-soldered connection.

Finally, purpose-designed aluminium alloy splitters are used to divide the left/right conductors foreasier connection and a professional, durable execution.

SOUNDS LIKE …

The Furutech DSS-4.1 was used to link my reference Vivid Audio V1.5s to PS Audio Stellar M700monoblocks. As this isn’t a bi-wire cable, I used Vivid’s own Van Den Hul-based bridging cables.

Source signal was provided by a PS Audio DirectStream DAC/Bridge II, delivered to the amps via anElectrocompaniet EC4.7 pre-amp.

I also used the cable in the AVSA listening room, partnering a pair of KEF LS50 standmounts powered byAnthem’s impressive STR integrated ampli�er (review pending), with a Lumin D1 network streamerproviding acting as source.

The sonic trends displayed by the cable in each system remained consistent: this is a cable that favoursand open, clean and resolved sonic image that is both uncannily detailed and almost disconcertinglyrevealing.

Tonal breadth was exceptional, allowing even the small KEFs to deliver a solid, fast and powerful bottomend. The midrange was open and revealing, bringing a strong sense of clarity and de�nition to themusic.

Trebles were crystalline and extremely detailed, but without becoming overblown or bright. In fact, Ienjoyed the way the cable managed to retain the emotive content and intent of the music: it steeredclear of the clinical analysis that can suck the joy out of listening to hi-�!

There was a tautness and cohesion to the delivery that bene�ted overall pace and momentum, whilethe cable expanded the perceived soundstage, spreading the musical information wide and deep, butnot to the extent of comprising the cohesion and intent of the music.

On Supertramp’s Crisis? What Crisis?, the �ne details and sound e�ects preceding the opening ‘EasyDoes It’ were resolved with a clarity and realism that was quite startling. Tra�c noise, the approachingfootsteps of a whistling pedestrian, a blaring hooter – all were brought to life with presence andbelievability.

On ‘Sister Moonshine’ o� the same set, the bass showed real oomph and momentum, while alsorevealing the harmonic character of the bass, while the drumwork was delivered with muscularintensity.

The texture and character of the electric and acoustic guitars were e�ortlessly reproduced, while theharmonica and penny whistle had just the right bite and brilliance to cut through the fabric of the

music. The cable certainly a�orded the listener full access to the music’s complexities.

The Furutech cable was well up to the task of unravelling and contextualising the multi-facetedperformances of Snarky Puppy on their latest set, Immigrance. On ‘Coven’, the fat brass was perfectlyjuxtaposed against the deep, throbbing bass, the reverberant drumwork and the shimmeringpercussion, and the delicate guitars.

The DSS-4.1 really opened up the music, bringing not only detail, but also dimension and presence tothe listening experience. It made the most of the recording’s vast stage and pervasive dimensionality,ensuring an engaging and enthralling listening experience.

On the Bach Collegium Japan’s stirring rendition of Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis, the cable allowed asense of insight and dimension that made for riveting, almost experiential listening.

The recording’s ability to capture the ambience and the atmosphere of the music was fully exploited,bringing the grandeur and the gravitas of the music into �ne, compelling focus. The cable allowed thecomplex layers of voices, orchestra and organ to be revealed, while also ensuring that the cohesion ofthe overall performance remained gloriously intact.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Anyone with an ear for music will quickly hear the di�erence a good cable can make to the ability of anaudio system to communicate and engage. Simply put, it should allow more of the music to come to thefore.

Of course, that presupposes that the system, from source to speaker is good enough to warrant theadditional insight and resolution. It also presupposes that the cable will simply provide more access towhat the system is producing, rather than adding a signature of its own.

The Furutech DSS-4.1 succeeds on all those counts. It’s reveals more of the essence and intent of themusic, pays closer attention to detail, and a�ords the music more air and space. It extends theperceived frequency band, but doesn’t interfere in the tonality of the recording.

In short, it provides a more e�cient, more transparent conduit for the music signal’s path fromampli�er to speaker. And once you’ve heard the sonic result, the price/value proposition seems a lotmore palatable.

Also, let’s not forget that a pre-packaged, pre-terminated cable of similar quality would cost a lot more.By buying the DSS-4.1 o� the reel, and terminating it yourself, you’ll save yourself a packet, and still endup with a top-class product that will bene�t overall system performance.

VITAL STATS

Conductor material: Alpha-OCC and Alpha-DUCC (7N) high-purity copper Conductor construction: Three-layer, multi-stranded, twisted pair Directional: Yes Insulation: Fluoropolymer inner, polyethylene outer

ALPHA-DUCC ALPHA-OCC DSS-4.1 DSS-4.1 OFF-THE-REEL DSS-4.1 SPEAKER CABLE

FURUTECH HIGH-END PURE COPPER

PREVIOUSEven more shine for Ortofon’s MCAnna

Inner sheath: Flexible PVC with nano-ceramic/carbon particle compound Shielding: Copper foil and OFC braid Outer sheath: Flexible PVC Outer sleeve: Nylon-strand braid Maximum resistance: 4,5 ohms/km Capacitance: 51,69 PF/m Inductance: 0,7 uH/m

PRICE Unterminated cable: R7 800/metre o�-reel Furutech DSS-4.1 splitters: R5 550/set of four Furutech CF-201(R) spades: R2 400/set of two Furutech CF-202(R) bananas: R3 200/set of two

SUPPLIED BY The Audio Visual Boutique

ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT PS Audio DirectStream DAC Lumin D1 network streamer Electrocompaniet EC4.7 pre-amp PS Audio Stellar M700 monoblocks Anthem STR integrated ampli�er Vivid Audio V1.5 and KEF LS50 speakers TelluriumQ Black cabling

SOFTWARE Supertramp – Crisis? What Crisis? (A&M/Universal) Snarky Puppy – Immigrance (Ground Up Records) Beethoven – Missa Solemnis – Bach Collegium Japan/Masaaki Suzuki (BIS)